Is substance abuse a choice or is it a disease/disorder?

Number of people have asked this question. Families are torn asunder from a loved one’s addiction issues. People point the finger at society, choices, Big Pharma, other family member’s influences, the list goes on, to try to alleviate the hurt and pain addiction causes those who are witnessing someone fall a part from this terrible epidemic. Addiction affects everyone, no matter how it began.

Some researchers have argued that addiction is not a disease for the reasons being that becoming addicted is self-inflicted and not autoimmune or transmittable. However addiction is described, whether it is a disease or a disorder (for compulsive or habitual use), substance abuse is an massive problem in the US.

No matter how substance abuse started, finding a way to end it is crucial. Whether it began as a choice or to relieve chronic pain, substance abuse is a disorder for those that have it. Understanding substance abuse, how it started and how to recognize it is a step towards ending this epidemic.

Throughout life, people experience different rewarding events like winning first place in a sports competition, getting an A on a paper, even something like sex or a favorite meal. And with that fulfilling high, the body feels that immense pleasure. Scientists believe that dopamine, a chemical in the brain, releases during these rewarding moments. For those that use substances, they are chasing the higher, grander, best high of their life.

Spotting someone using drugs can be difficult. Some families do not wish to see their loved one in such a manner and block it out, which is understandable. We want to keep people in our minds as they were, as we choose to remember them. However, here are some ways to spot someone abusing substances.

Psychical changes:

A.)  Weight loss/gain

B.)  Appearance/hygiene

C.)  Constricted or dilated pupils – red eyes

D.)  Slurred speech

E.)  Poor motor coordination

Behavioral changes:

A.)  Irritability, aggression, bursts of anger

B.)  Severe mood changes

C.)  Inexplicable thoughts – paranoia for no reason

D.)  No motivation

E.)  Delusions that are no present

Social changes:

A.)  New group of friends

B.)  Increased conflict from support system or isolation from it

C.)  Lying/secretiveness

D.)  Criminal activity

Inner Circle Billing cooperates with facilities in offering full scale detailed benefits to give clearer understanding in how to treat the patient accurately.

Posted in 2019 News